Arena of Lost Souls

The Mission Details:

The Stats:

Another day, another venture across the freezing tundra of the north. But for Yushia, the journey feels more akin to a long hike through the wilderness. During her travel from her most recent adventure, she's since traveled for a good day and some change with what directions she could learn from the locals at the hamlet prior. Turns out, there's another small town that's located northwest, thankfully, with no recent news of any hooligans and gang coaxing. Perhaps she'll find herself reasonable accommodations to acquaint herself with the flora and fauna, what to eat and what to steer clear from, and what dangers lurk in which parts of the region.

Until then, she'll first need to reach the town in question to get the answers she needs.

The trek continues forth. Though the snow is piling high, Yushia pushes on, ever resilient, she strides on. She's yet to encounter any snowstorms, and the sky is relatively cloudless, so fortune seems to be on her side. For now. Still, Yushia knows better than to lower her guard. As such, she'll continue onward, making her way across the frozen terrain.

For the most part, the road has been rather uneventful, though, nonetheless, the hike is a peaceful one. The scenery is quite the sight to behold, the mountains standing tall and proud, the forests blanketed with a thick layer of white. Such sights Yushia hasn't seen since her youth, all those years ago. There's a nostalgic feeling that comes and goes as she traverses further along her journey. Nonetheless, Yushia remains focused, taking it a step at a time.

After some time has passed, Yushia spots something peculiar. At a glance, off in the distance, it appears to be a caravan, a large one, too. Though curious, Yushia keeps her wits about her, despite this. She'll slow her pace down, keeping her distance and observing quietly. From what she can tell, there seem to be merchants traveling by, carrying various goods and wares within their wagon. However, Yushia senses something isn't right, the caravan being armed, after all. Such a sight raises questions, and so, Yushia will pick up her speed once more, deciding against approaching them.

Surely, they're just a group of traders heading their separate ways, nothing more.


Some time later…

Two hours pass, and she arrives at the supposed small town. Much to her surprise, the settlement is quite sizable, albeit, smaller than most cities. Nonetheless, Yushia makes her way within the town limits, continuing onward. The town itself is bustling with life, with many civilians and merchants roaming about. The town's design is well-developed, the roads are cobblestone, the buildings are built out of brick and wood, and there's even a lovely fountain in the middle of the town.

However, what stands in stark contrast is the number of homeless people who loiter on the streets. As she walks past, she sees numerous urchins, teenagers, and adults begging for scraps, their appearances are disheveled and unkempt. Upon closer inspection, Yushia notices how malnourished these poor folk are, their clothes are tattered and torn. Yet, the townsfolk merely ignore their plight, passing by without a second thought. It's a sorrowful sight to see, but such is life.

Upon exploring the town further, she stumbles upon an inn. From the outside, it looks homey, clean, and enchanting. Hard wooden planks and sandstone pillars make up most of the building's outer structure. It's impossible to see through the darkened windows, but the music and voices from within can be felt outside. As she enters the tavern through the small, soft wooden door, amazing but unknown scents and joyful music welcome her senses and beckon her in.

The bartender appears to be handling some customers at the moment but still manages to welcome her with a friendly nod. It's as enchanting inside as it is on the outside. Squared, stone beams support the upper floor and the decoration lights attached to them. The walls are swarming with photographs, some of which undoubtedly must be of famous people and others of happy customers. The tavern itself is packed. Workers seem to be the primary clientele here, which often indicates great food. Several long tables are occupied by separate groups who, after having had quite a few drinks, seem to be trying to prove which group is best.

The other, smaller tables are also occupied by people who are indulging in great food and drinks, while some do try to strike up a conversation, others can barely speak a word between eating what must be delicious food. Even most of the stools at the bar are occupied, though nobody seems to mind more company. Toward the center of the establishment, a live band appears to have recently started playing judging by the music and how few people are dancing. She manages to find a seat and mingle with some of the townsfolk for any news, rumors, and gossip that's been circulating and, of course, if there's any work to be done so she can properly finance her living expenses, supplies, and whatnot.

A few conversations go on, most of which the topics go over the uneventful and mundane, one particular conversation toward the end of the bunch catches her attention. As it turns out, there have been rumors of the recent disappearance of the local street urchins and orphans that loiter around the town. As to what or who may be responsible, it seems as though everyone has their own interpretations, some she could gather implying long-standing grudges with another's neighbor, others believe foul play, and others blame the children's laziness and lackadaisical behaviors. However, one man in particular says something peculiar, one that grabs Yushia's interest.

He claims to have heard the rumor, much like the rest, yet, he believes the disappearances are connected, or rather, linked to organized crime. Specifically, he states a kidnapping ring is behind the disappearances. From what information she could gather, the most pertinent seems to be that these disappearances take place toward the middle of the night, as on the following day, for those who rise early, find the usual spots where they typically reside vacant. When she asks the man whether there's anyone she can get into contact with who may know more and the location of where these missing persons may be held, the man states he knows someone, and writes down the address. She thanks the man and proceeds to order herself a meal and beverage, deciding to have a proper meal before investigating the matter further.

An hour passes and, heeding to the man's words, Yushia makes her way toward the abode of a woman named Poe. According to the man, she's a recluse and a shut-in, yet, remains informed with the local gossip and what's going on around the town. Upon arriving at her residence, Yushia knocks gently, waiting patiently. A couple of minutes pass and, suddenly, the door creaks open, ever so slightly, and a pair of eyes peer through the darkness.

"What... what is it you want?" a feminine voice speaks.

"Are you Poe? I'm looking for answers, regarding the missing street urchins and children," Yushia replies.

"... Enter," Poe responds, opening the door.

Yushia nods and does so, and once she's inside, Poe closes the door behind her. Upon first glance, Poe is an elderly woman, wearing a dark-grey shirt and a lighter-gray skirt. Her hair is gray and appears to be messy and unkempt, her facial features are slim, and she appears to have brown eyes. As Yushia explores her domicile further, it's quite spacious, however, the decor is peculiar. Most of the rooms appear to be covered in newspaper clippings, with pictures and notes written in red ink, in addition, there are maps littered across the walls. However, the most peculiar aspect of her domicile seems to be Poe herself, as her gaze is fixated on Yushia, as though scrutinizing her every movement. It's as though Poe is paranoid and delusional, which raises many questions, yet, Yushia will approach her nonetheless, asking her about the rumors and disappearances.

"I was told by one of the inn's patrons, a man—although I never caught his name—told me you could possibly help me figure out what's going on behind the kidnappings in this town?" Yushia inquires.

Poe remains silent for a moment, her eyes seemingly staring Yushia down.

"Yes. Come, follow," Poe utters, motioning Yushia to follow.

She'll oblige and, leads by candlelight, Poe shows her various newspaper articles and photos, stating the disappearances have been occurring, frequently, and the culprits, the supposed kidnappers, are affiliated with an organized crime ring. From what information Yushia could gather, the perpetrators are part of a group known as "The Four Winds", a ruthless and dangerous gang that operates throughout the region. However, it seems as though the gang is connected, and associated, with a gambling den, one that's located southeast, roughly 30 minutes away.

According to Poe, she states the kidnapping ring is merely a cover, as the gang's true purpose is related to a fighting ring, an underground arena, where children and urchins are forced to fight to the death. Those who survive are forced to fight, continuously, and those who refuse are brutally killed and mutilated. Upon gathering the necessary information she needs, Yushia gives the conversation pause and contemplates her next move.

"If they're an affiliated gang, that also means the place is heavily guarded and with a lot of eyes and ears strewn about everywhere." She cups her cheek pensively. "Only thing that comes to mind is the possibility of sneaking inside, maybe disguising myself as one of the local urchins, but," Sighing, she folds her arms and raises one leg over the other. "The question then becomes a matter of how."

Yushia glances toward Poe, who remains relatively quiet, only listening.

"Do you happen to know of a disguise, or at least, some form of attire that would allow me to infiltrate their hideout undetected?" Yushia inquires.

It's a shot in the dark, perhaps, but, it's worth a shot.

"There... there's an orphanage that's located southwest, near the mountains. Disguise... perhaps," Poe utters. "The leader, boss, of the kidnapping ring frequents the orphanage, weekly, and on the Thursday of each week, specifically. You'll need to act quickly, however."

Upon mentioning an orphanage, Yushia ponders quietly, considering the option and weighing the pros and cons, yet, decides it's her best option. It's reasonable and certainly not outside the realm of possibility that the orphanage would be ripe for the picking of the unfortunate souls without a home. Although, it'd be a nigh-perfect setup to get up-close and personal with how the process goes.

"Right. Guess it's settled then," Yushia responds. "I have just about everything I need to try and play the part. You have my thanks, Lady Poe." With a plan set in motion, Yushia will thank Poe and make her leave, exiting her domicile.

"Wait!"

Yushia pivots on her foot to turn and face the elderly woman.

"Daughter... Jade. Bring Jade back. Find, rescue, and bring her back." Poe utters solemnly, her tone is quiet, saddened.

"You have my word," Yushia assures, nodding.

Upon receiving the promise, Poe smiles faintly and nods, watching as Yushia departs, making her leave.

"Keep your wits about you. They're cunning and crafty," Poe whispers softly.

Outside, Yushia will book a room from the same inn and get herself ready for her infiltration plan. Tapping one of the hidden seals beneath her uniform, she summons her old, ragged robes and cloak, and examines them... Certainly not. She'd need to make a purchase from one of the tailor shops to fashion them akin to a beggar of sorts. But time is of the essence.

Instead, using her sword, Yushia cuts and slices certain parts of her old attire to mimic an urchin, and afterward, changes into the outfit, unties and ruffles her locks of hair to appear disheveled, and seals away her trusted blade inside her newer clothes. Then she packs the rest of the uniform beneath her clothes as undergarments. Although the disguise is unconventional and unorthodox, it's the best she can do given the limited amount of time she has. As dusk approaches, she'll make her leave and head toward the orphanage Poe mentioned, preparing herself mentally.

The trek itself isn't a long or arduous one, roughly 30 minutes, give or take. However, the closer she arrives at the orphanage, the more she notices how barren and desolate the area is, the road is paved with rocks, the trees are frozen, and the ground is covered in snow. For a place that's supposedly an orphanage, the atmosphere surrounding the domicile is chilling and unnerving. Nevertheless, she'll stride onward, making her way toward the front gates.

Upon approaching the orphanage itself, Yushia notices how Victorian-like the building is designed, yet, the structure itself is falling apart, the wood is decayed and rotting, and the windows are shattered and cracked. It's a dismal and depressing sight to see, yet, still, she'll press onward, stopping just shy of the double doors in front of her. She knocks gently, waiting.

"Hello? Anyone home?"

No response. And before she goes to knock on the doors a second time, she hears a clicking sound coming from the doorknobs themselves. Suddenly, the doors creak open, ever so slightly, and someone peers through the darkness. However, she can't fully make out their appearance, as their face is shrouded in darkness, yet, their clothing and attire is that of an urchin, a boy, to be exact.

"What do ya want?" a young male voice speaks.

Now she had to act the part of a lost child in search of a home.

"Hello," She meekly waves to the boy. "Would you happen to know the caretaker of this place? I don't have anywhere to go, and," She'll pause momentarily, acting as though she's emotionally distraught. "My parents are gone, they've passed on, and I have nowhere to call a home."

The boy remains silent for a brief moment, eyeing Yushia up and down.

"Right. Stay here. Don't move," He utters, closing the door.

Momentarily, she'll wait outside, and not long afterward, the double doors creak open, wider, and the urchin boy motions her inside. She'll oblige and enter, thanking the boy, and follows him. Once inside, the interior is decrepit and disheveled, much like the outside, the walls are caving in and the floors are rotting. The boy leads her toward another set of double doors, which she'll oblige and follow, and inside, is a small, confined office space. The wooden floor is decaying and caved in, the walls are riddled with cracks and holes, and the design of the domicile itself appears to be an office, albeit, a dilapidated and run-down version of an office.

"Sit," A masculine voice speaks.

Yushia will oblige and take a seat. As she sits, the chair creaks, ever so slightly, yet, manages to withstand her weight.

"Name?" The man asks.

"Yushia. My name is Yushia Ryou."

"Yushia. Hmm." The man folds his arms and leans back in his seat. "Parents?"

"They've... passed on." She'll respond.

Although it's not a complete and total lie, she'll use a partial truth, stating her parents have indeed passed on, and while, technically, her father may yet still live—much to the dismay of her conscience—it's not entirely the full truth, as she's presently "orphaned".

"And why should I believe you? Hm?" the man inquires.

This isn't good. She'll contemplate quietly, thinking of a suitable and convincing reply.

"Well, you can always ask around, perhaps, and if not, check the local gravesite. I'm sure the grave-keeper or townspeople would be able to point you in the right direction." Yushia will shrug nonchalantly.

Although, in all honesty, she hopes the man believes her, otherwise, her infiltration would've been for naught.

"Hm. Right." The man will lean forward, cupping his chin pensively.

A brief moment of silence ensues and, Yushia waits, patiently.

"Very well. You'll work in the fields, harvest crops and vegetables, and clean." The man responds. "Boy," He'll glance toward the urchin.

"Yeah?"

"Show her the ropes and what to do."

"Right," The boy utters, motioning Yushia to rise.

She obliges and makes her leave, exiting the office space alongside the urchin.

"What's your name, by the way? I'd like to know the name of the person helping me," Yushia responds, smiling.

"Arthur," He replies.

"Arthur. A pleasure to meet you," Yushia extends her hand.

Arthur accepts her gesture and shakes hands.

"Same."

Once outside, Arthur will show Yushia toward the orphanage's greenhouse and begin explaining the routine. From what information she can gather fragmentally, each urchin and child has a designated task, and rotates, weekly, much like a job rotation. In addition, the children are forced to work, daily, until the sun sets, and, those who refuse, she's seen a few of them leave from the chambers below battered and bruised. Needless to say, although it's a chilling and unnerving realization, Yushia will continue her guise and comply, following Arthur's lead.

For roughly 2 hours, Yushia helps tend and harvest the orphanage's crops, and, during the process, she'll attempt to gather additional information while she maintains the orphaned child facade. It isn't until the late evening when all the children have resigned themselves to their dorm rooms, that she witnesses firsthand the process of how these disappearances go. Before retiring to her room, she manages to pocket one of the butter knives from the kitchen and sleeps beneath the covers of her thinly made mattress. When midnight approaches, the door to her room eerily and quietly creaks open, revealing a group of men with one of them carrying a sack in their hand. They approach her nonchalantly and grab her. This startles and rouses her from her slumber, and before she has the chance to scream, one of them places a cloth over her mouth, silencing her. Shortly thereafter, her world goes dark and her consciousness fades.


It's later into the night and, upon regaining her senses, finds her surroundings peculiar and unfamiliar. Wherever she is, it's a large, cavernous, coliseum-esque arena, surrounded by a ring of fire and torches, and the spectators are cheering and yelling, their fists are raised high in the air, and their tones are loud. This must be the fighting arena the man and Poe mentioned. Yushia glances around momentarily, surveying her immediate environment, realizing that she's confined in a cell-like room with only a flimsy mattress in one corner and a rusted bucket in another. Upon further examination, she notices the bars of her confines are corroded yet sturdy enough to withstand physical force that she certainly couldn't exert any control over. Suddenly, the cheering and yelling die down, and the spectators remain relatively quiet. Curious, Yushia will stride toward the prison-like bars and peer outward.

"Gentlemen, ladies, and patrons. Tonight, we have a special guest, a new contender, one that's poised and ready to face off against our very own champion!" A masculine announcer yells aloud.

Yushia glances toward the source and notices the announcer standing atop a pedestal, motioning—or rather beckoning—something or someone over.

"Let's welcome her with open arms and cheers! Give her a warm welcome!"

Suddenly, she hears the rhythmic clanks of metal against metal approach from the left side of her ear getting louder and louder. Two men clad in armor approach her cell, unlock and open the barred door, and force her out. Initially, Yushia resists and attempts to fight back, however, the two armored men are far stronger than her, and, force her toward the center of the coliseum-esque fighting arena. Upon arriving, the torchlights illuminate and showcase her appearance to the crowd, and she's met with a mixture of boos and jeers. Nevertheless, she'll maintain her composure and keep a leveled head.

"And now, without further ado, allow me to introduce, the one, the only, Champion of the Arena!" The announcer motions toward the right side of the coliseum-esque arena positively.

From the shadows, the rhythmic clanks return, except, this time, Yushia can clearly and visibly make out the appearance of her opponent. They're garbed in a dark-colored, hooded, robe-like attire that's tattered and ripped at the ends, their face is obscured and concealed in the darkness, and their build is robust, muscular, and imposing. Without a doubt, she knows her opponent is male, evident in their physique, and, judging from the reactions and cheers of the crowd, they, the champion, are a fan-favorite and renowned, as well.

"Champion, let's see if the newcomer has what it takes to be the next reigning victor of the Arena, shall we?" The announcer will motion and wave his arms. The champion nods and removes his robe-like attire, revealing a bare-chested and scarred torso, his upper body is riddled with lacerations and scars, indicative of his victories and matches prior. Yushia, remembering the knife she pilfered earlier, readies herself and brandishes her meager weapon, grips the handle tightly, and maintains a defensive posture.

"Ready? Steady... Begin!"

Upon the announcer's declaration, the champion rushes toward Yushia with startling and quick agility and swiftness, and before she has the chance to dodge his attack, he punches her square in the chest, knocking the wind out of her and sending her reeling backward. She'll stagger and try to regain her footing, yet, stumbles and falls, landing on her rear. Fortunately, she manages to protectively clutch the knife in her possession, albeit, the champion's attack was strong enough to leave minor bruising and swelling. Now she'll grit her teeth and seethe, rising.

"He's fast," She'll murmur.

Before Yushia rises to her feet, the champion charges toward her and attempts to grab her by the throat. Being aware of the unnatural speed of her opponent, she manages to weave past his encroaching hand while simultaneously channeling her chakra into the knife to infuse a sharper edge. In the same motion she moves, she angles her weapon to slice at the joint that connects her opponent's bicep and forearm. Blood sprays outward and spatters on the stone-cold floor, and the champion recoils, grunting. Yushia capitalizes on his momentary lapse of vulnerability and pirouettes around to the man's side in an attempt to plunge the tip of her weapon into his neck.

However, her opponent counters her maneuver and grabs her wrist, halting her movement, and uses his other free hand—despite the gruesome display and obviously gashed wound—to deliver a punch straight at her torso. With her quick reflexes, she bounces on the same foot she ends up on and catches his arm between her legs. She wasn't about to risk letting the fight continue with the obvious disparity in power, so she fiddles with her gripped arm to have the knife's endpoint toward the Champion and cast Sacred Spear to puncture through his lower abdomen as a beam of opaque white light bursts forth. Although her aim isn't accurate enough to hit his spine, she hopes the amount of chakra she channels into the spear is enough to immobilize him temporarily. The champion roars in agony and relinquishes his grip on her, and Yushia dismounts from his arm, twirls, and leaps away. The crowd erupts and shouts in excitement and awe.

Both combatants will stand across from each other, maintaining their distance, yet, the champion hunches over slightly and spits out a decent amount of blood. Yushia will glance momentarily at her opponent, noticing how profusely and copiously his wound bleeds. Although her Sacred Spear isn't potent or powerful enough to kill him, the wound itself is deep enough to cause a significant amount of damage, nonetheless, and, the champion glares daggers at her. A brief moment of silence ensues and engulfs the entire coliseum-esque arena, save for the crackling of the torches and flames. Suddenly, the announcer will raise his hand.

"Stop!"

Upon the announcer's decree, Yushia will glance toward him momentarily, yet, keeps her guard and wits about her, in the event the champion lunges at her. The champion will cease and remain rooted in place, keeping his glare fixated on her.

"You've managed to pierce the champion and inflict a significant amount of grievous injury, newcomer. However," The announcer will turn to glance toward the champion. "What you did just now, whatever magicks or chakra you used, is strictly forbidden. And since you don't like to play fair... Ladies and gentlemen!" Several men appear from the shadowy ends of the arena, each approaching from eight gates that lead to where the rest of the remaining prisoners are held. "It seems the newcomer's got quite a few tricks up their sleeves, so why not kick the spectacle up a notch? Not only will she continue to face off against the champion, but she'll also have a bit of company to keep her on her toes! What do you say to that?" The announcer motions and waves his arms outward, eliciting a mixture and combination of cheers and jeers from the spectators.

This isn't good.

She readies her weapon and takes a deep inhalation, only to hack and gag partway through. It appears the blow and subsequent bruise did a number on her ability to properly utilize the total breathing concentration technique. She'll have to rely on her base skills and techniques to escape the arena and free the prisoners before things get bloody. One of the men approaches her from her frontal and flanks her sides, and, the champion will charge toward her, his fist reared back and clenched. Yushia maintains her focus and composure, weaving past and dodging the man who initially approaches her, then, pirouettes around his flank, slicing his tendon and nerve that runs along his Achilles' heel. The man will fall forward and face-plant, and, in the meantime, she'll fastly approach the gates to the prison cells, embuing her knife with a translucent liquid that envelopes its edge and slices the palisade well enough to give her entry.

From there, she begins to free them one by one and along the way, finds Arthur worse for wear locked up in one of the cells, too. Upon freeing him, she instructs him and the other children and urchins to follow her lead and exit the coliseum-esque fighting labyrinth while she cuts them a path—figuratively and literally—to freedom. However, it doesn't take long for more of the arena's bodyguards to show up in an attempt to halt their escape. Naturally, Yushia fends and fights them off, using her plethora of techniques and swordsmanship, yet, finds it increasingly and increasingly difficult to channel and perform the Jutsu with the noticeable bruising and swelling hindering her breathing. Still, she cannot falter. She must press onward, leading the charge with Arthur and the other urchins and children out.

Eventually, she'll reach the coliseum-esque arena's emergency double doors and usher the urchins and children through, making her way outside. While Arthur instructs the remaining children to escape, Yushia feels soft tremors reverberate through the earth. Company's approaching and she dashes toward the back of the line to face off a jarring and ever-chasing foe. The Champion approaches her and roars, brandishing a makeshift and crude sword from the gashed palisade prior. Yushia will maintain her stance, gripping the handle of her knife tightly, and, awaits the champion's imminent and encroaching presence.

Wasting no time, he lunges toward her and swings his weapon in an overhead-sweeping motion, and, Yushia will side-step and move, only, her bruising gets the better of her and causes her to stagger, falling backward against one of the double doors. The Champion capitalizes on her stumble and attempts to pierce her. Yushia reacts and moves, weaving past his encroaching and pointed blade, and, attempts to slice and puncture his chest with her knife. Unfortunately, the champion counters her counter and swats her hand away as it flies from her grasp and lands across the room. Gritting her teeth and peering upward toward the imposing and towering figure of her opponent, the champion rears his makeshift weapon back and thrusts his blade sideways, and, although Yushia attempts to evade his attack, finds her movements and reaction time slow and delayed, and, she braces herself.

Suddenly, Arthur will barge through and push the champion backward, diverting the trajectory of his makeshift and crude weapon and Yushia out of harm's way. Surprised by his sudden and daring appearance, Yushia peers toward him momentarily, realizing he threw himself in harm's way.

"Arthur, what're you still doing here? Get out of here!" Yushia yells aloud.

Arthur peers over his shoulder toward her momentarily and smiles.

"No can do. I owe you one, Yushia." He'll reply.

The champion recovers and rises, rushing toward Arthur, and, Yushia panics, realizing her breathing isn't up to par, and, the champion's attack is faster and quicker than hers. She must find a way to stave and thwart his encroaching and menacing appearance before anything happens to Arthur. And that's when she remembers the katana that she sealed into her Gakuran uniform earlier! Thinking quickly, she charges the champion at her speed while summoning her katana from beneath her rags. A puff of off-white smoke briefly envelopes her person and disperses, revealing a black scabbard and handle in her hands before she poises herself.

"First Form..."

In one swift motion, she pirouettes, draws her blade at a blinding speed, with a trail of calligraphic water following suit, and slashes horizontally across the champion's neck.

"Water Surface Slash!"

Blood sprays outward and spatters errantly and the champion collapses on his rear and gurgles, choking on his own blood momentarily. It appears the cut dealt a grievous amount of damage, but not enough to decapitate her target thoroughly. Nevertheless, the wound itself should suffice. She grabs Arthur's hand and runs out through the double doors into the wintry night, careful to steer clear of any projectiles launched by the guards that soon followed after the attack.


Some time later...

Yushia, with the urchins and orphans in tow, arrives back at the town. Although they appear worse for wear, the most important takeaway from the escapade is that they're all safe and back to the place they call home. At least for some of them. Some urchins and orphans decide and opt to travel with Yushia, either, because they're indebted to her and Arthur, or, want to live and journey with her. Unfortunately, Yushia rejects their request, stating they'd only find themselves in more danger than they deserve. Arthur, instead, decides to take charge and lead the young'uns to create a closely-knit group to prevent future kidnappings from occurring.

Later that night, Yushia stands near the outskirts of the town, glancing toward the moon and stars above, contemplating her next course of action.

"Yushia?" A feminine and meek voice will speak aloud.

Yush breaks her brief spell and glances over her shoulder, noticing Poe approach her with a basket of food in her possession.

"Poe? What're you doing out here? Shouldn't you be sleeping?" Yushia will raise and furrow her brow slightly.

"Arthur informed me you'd be out here. Brought this basket of food as token of appreciation and gratitude." She replies and offers the basket to her.

Yush will smile and shake her head. "I couldn't, surely the children could use the sustenance than I. But, I'm appreciative of the thought and gesture, as undeserving as I am of it."

Poe will purse her lips momentarily and glance downward. "Please, Yushia. Accept this gift. The children wouldn't have escaped those bastards had you not intervened. Rescued Arthur and the others you came across with."

She thinks it over for a moment before sighing and accepting Poe's basket of food.

"Thank you." Yushia will reply. "I won't forget this act of kindness."

"Arthur... mentioned you intend to leave the town come morning. Is this true?" She'll inquire.

Yushia nods and peers skyward momentarily. "This is true. I'm on a journey to travel for a fitting home here. Somewhere quiet, preferably."

"And, you'll leave Arthur and the children behind? Why not stay a while longer? Surely, they would cherish and appreciate your company and guidance." Poe will inquire further.

Yush shakes her head and takes a step past her. "I'm sorry, Poe, but, my journey doesn't allow and permit the luxury of staying in one place for too long. Please understand, that this is the path I've chosen for myself. Not until I find the answers I'm looking for."

"Shame... truly, you will be missed." Poe murmurs. "May your journey guide you well, Yushia. Arthur and the children won't forget what you've done for them, tonight."

Yush nods and smiles softly. And come the following morning, she continues her trek into the vast and endless horizon. Her thoughts travel back to Arthur and the children she freed the night before. Although she feels guilt and remorse for leaving them behind, she knows Arthur and the urchins and children are capable of protecting and safeguarding each other, now. However, her thoughts shift toward the mysterious champion and his unnatural and inhuman abilities. How did a normal human man become so fast? Strong? Was he always that way? Or, did he train and hone his strength and abilities to garner such power? These are the questions Yush ponders and hopes to hone her skills down the road to overcome such an opponent in the future.



WC: 5,582
TWC: 5,582


[EXIT THREAD]


Requesting approval for the following claims:

Claiming the following mission reward(s):

► Total Ryo Earned: +6,000 Ryo
► Total AP Earned: +30 AP

Investing 5,582 TWC into the following *Skill(s):

► Training Whistle Trigger (1,500/1,500) [4,082 TWC Left]

Investing the remaining 4,082 TWC into the following *Jutsu:

► Training Temple Style: Discovery of an Incomplete Truth @ B-Rank [832/1,125] (1,125/1,125) [3,789 TWC Left]
► Training Split Second @ B-Rank (1,125/1,125) [2,664 TWC Left]
► Training Splashing Carp @ B-Rank (1,125/1,125) [1,539 TWC Left]
► Training Soft Wind Blowing @ C-Rank (750/750) [789 TWC Left]
► Training Water Release: Wild Water Wave @ C-Rank (750/750) [39 TWC Left]
► Training Hiding in the Water @ C-Rank (39/750) [0 TWC Left]

*25% Discount option via max stats